The latest Pokémon TCG set, Destined Rivals, has been fully unveiled, and pre-orders are already in full swing. If you're a seasoned collector, you won't be shocked to hear that the launch has been tumultuous, with scalpers and store issues already creating headaches for fans of the new set.
Unveiled on March 24, Scarlet & Violet - Destined Rivals is slated to hit shelves starting May 30, 2025. Several elements make this set particularly coveted. Firstly, it heralds the return of Trainer's Pokémon cards. If you're old enough to recall vintage cards like Brock's Sandslash or Rocket's Mewtwo, you might want to take a moment to appreciate this nostalgic comeback. These cards beautifully weave beloved Trainers into the fabric of the Pokémon card universe. Moreover, Destined Rivals focuses on Team Rocket, the iconic villainous group from Pokémon's first generation. Much like the earlier Prismatic Evolutions set with its Eevee-lutions, Destined Rivals is poised to become a fan favorite.
Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet - Destined Rivals Pokémon Center Elite Trainer Box Images
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When pre-orders opened, frustration was inevitable. Enthusiasts attempting to secure an Elite Trainer Box (ETB) from the Pokémon Center website found themselves unable to get through. These ETBs, which include card packs and other collectibles, are a popular choice for diving into a new set.
Predictably, scalpers quickly flooded online marketplaces like eBay with their ETB pre-orders. Listings soared to several hundred dollars for what typically retails at $54.99. This pertains to the pre-order of the Pokémon Center-specific ETB. Joe Merrick of Serebii captured the sentiment well, sharing his own experience of waiting hours in queue just to snag a Destined Rivals ETB.
"I truly hate this," Merrick stated. "The way almost all Pokémon TCG content has shifted to financial. The way that people just treat it as an investment. The way people just want to flip it. It's disgusting. Shame on all involved."
Unfortunately, this is becoming the norm. The Prismatic Evolutions set faced similar shortages, and the Blooming Waters 151 box vanished rapidly. It's common to see alerts and community efforts to signal when sets restock at various retailers. The Pokémon Company (TPC) has already announced, according to PokéBeach, that more inventory of the Destined Rivals ETB will be available later this year.
Adding to the woes, some buyers are reporting cancellations of their ETB orders. The demand and popularity of the Pokémon TCG are soaring, but it's unfortunately affecting the hobby for those simply wanting to open packs or enjoy matches.
While Pokémon TCG Pocket offers a digital alternative to the physical scarcity issues, it's still frustrating for those who prefer the tangible experience. A visit to your local store's card aisle will likely reveal the challenges of acquiring packs during these highly anticipated releases. It's doubly disheartening when these sets are as exciting as Destined Rivals. Here's hoping for swift solutions to these ongoing challenges.
